Organizer Information
Academy of Art University is a private art and design university based in San Francisco, California. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and non-degree study across creative disciplines including fine art, film, photography, architecture, design, fashion, animation, game development, and related fields. Programs are offered on campus in San Francisco and online.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Academy of Art University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate
- Degrees Offered: AA / AAS / BA / BFA / B.Arch / MA / MFA / M.Arch / Certificates
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Film & Television / Photography / Architecture / Art History / Animation / Design / Fashion / Illustration / Game Development / Music Production & Sound Design / Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media / Visual Development / Interaction & UI/UX Design and related fields.
- Relevant Programs: Motion Pictures & Television; Fine Art; Photography; Art History; Architecture; Graphic Design; Illustration; Animation & Visual Effects; Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media and other programs.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Applications are open for 2027 terms.
- Application Deadline: Varies by term and program; Spring 2027 deadline is 25 January 2027 on the main admissions page.
- Start of Studies: Spring 2027 — 3 February 2027
- Application Fee: Waived for all 2027 terms
- Tuition: International undergraduate — $40,368 estimated per academic year; graduate — $33,426.
- Funding: International scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and portfolio submissions are available, up to $5,000 per semester.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Academy of Art University accepts students across a broad range of art and design disciplines. Previous art or design experience is not required for undergraduate admission. Relevant fields include fine art, film and television, photography, architecture, art history, animation, graphic design, illustration, fashion, game development, industrial design, interior architecture and design, interaction and UI/UX design, music production and sound design, visual development, and writing for film, television and digital media.
- Portfolio requirements depend on study level and program. Undergraduate applicants do not need an art portfolio for admission, while graduate applicants must submit a portfolio or reel representing their chosen discipline for graduate class placement.
General Eligibility
- The university maintains an inclusive undergraduate admissions policy and does not require previous art or design experience. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Graduate applicants must demonstrate their ability and intent to complete a graduate degree and must provide evidence of completion of at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. International transcripts issued outside the United States may require professional translation and/or credential evaluation.
- International applicants may apply to the university. Applicants intending to study in the United States must also satisfy the university's international student, financial-document, passport, and visa-related requirements.
Language Requirements
- International students must complete English proficiency/placement requirements before beginning classes. The university currently identifies TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Assessment, and LanguageCert as accepted testing routes, while stating that there is no general minimum test score for enrollment. The Master's in Art Education has a specific minimum score requirement.
- International students may also be placed into English for Art Purposes (EAP) courses. Students can be exempted from EAP under specified conditions, including qualifying prior degrees from certain English-speaking countries.
Application Fee
| Applicant / Term | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 terms | Waived |
The university's current 2027 application page states that application fees are waived for all 2027 terms.
Tuition
| Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory/Estimated Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| International undergraduate | $40,368 per academic year | Academic year estimate | $30 activity fee/semester; $1,500 average course fees/semester; $545 average materials/supplies/semester; $100 international enrollment fee; $300 international student services fee; $2,518 health insurance/year |
| International graduate | $33,426 per academic year | Academic year estimate | $30 activity fee/semester; $900 average course fees/semester; $545 average materials/supplies/semester; $100 international enrollment fee; $300 international student services fee; $2,518 health insurance/year |
The university states that these international figures are estimated for one academic year covering Fall and Spring; additional charges apply for Summer. International students must also pay a $5,500 tuition deposit within seven business days after visa issuance.
Funding & Financial Support
Academy of Art University offers international student scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and portfolio submissions, with a cumulative cap of $5,000 per semester. Current scholarship categories include Academic Excellence, Academic Merit, Course Waiver Portfolio, Portfolio Submission, and International Needs Based scholarships.
University Services & Academic Support
Students have access to academic support resources including tutoring, writing assistance, English-language support, and other academic services. International Services provides dedicated support for international students, while Career Services offers résumé reviews, portfolio reviews, interview preparation, networking activities, and access to the university's job board.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must provide:
- High school diploma/GED or accepted equivalent evidence
- Official academic transcripts as required for the applicant category
- International applicants: required immigration and financial documentation when applicable
An art portfolio is not required for undergraduate admission, although the university states that it may assist the admissions process.
Graduate applicants must provide:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- College transcripts
- Statement of Intent
- Résumé
- Portfolio/reel representing the chosen discipline
- Additional department-specific materials where required
Program-specific requirements may apply.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Spring 2027 Application Deadline: 25 January 2027
- Spring 2027 Start of Studies: 3 February 2027
- 2027 General Application Close — Spring: 16 February 2027
- 2027 General Application Close — Summer: 26 June 2027
- 2027 General Application Close — Fall: 21 September 2027
- 2027 Intersession — Winter: 12 January 2027
- 2027 Intersession — Summer: 2 June 2027
- 2027 Intersession — Fall: 17 August 2027
Location
Academy of Art University — San Francisco, United States
Additional Details
Academy of Art University offers both on-campus and online study, but individual programs can have different delivery options. For example, the MA in Writing & Directing for Film is listed as an on-campus program, while the BFA and MFA in Motion Pictures & Television are available online and on campus.
The university's current admissions pages contain differing deadline information for Spring 2027: the main admissions page gives 25 January 2027, while the online application page lists 16 February 2027 as the general Spring 2027 application close date. Because the main admissions page provides a specific admissions deadline, applicants should verify the applicable deadline with the university for their selected program before submitting.
The university is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).